"I really do think it was overblown and it was mostly started by one guy, and how can I control what one guy like Steve McCarthy thinks," said Bertuzzi.

"When all that stuff started coming out it bothered all of us so much we had a team meeting about it and it was one of those where it was nothing but the truth or leave the room. Not one guy stood up and said he had a problem."

"I think it was mostly sour grapes on his [McCarthy's] part because he wasn't playing much and when he left he said those things. I don't know why he said them."

Bertuzzi even mentions a possible comeback (though I really wouldn't put any stock in it):

"You know, we didn't win a Cup in Vancouver and didn't get even to the third round but I had many great experiences with the people I met and I'll always remember my time there. I won't forget those people.

"In fact, at the end of this year, I'm an unrestricted free agent again.

Good god, imagine that. I know, I know, we just got over the Beruzzi black cloud, but just imagine.... we trade Auld Allen and Bert for Luongo, sign him long term, then the following year both Bert and Allen come back....!!! not that we could afford it or anything, but..... dear god, the WCE WITH Luongo and the twins? mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

This make no sense, I know, but man I just still love Bert.... would love to see him dominate again after his triumphant return to vancouver.... Pipe dreams, yes, but it's a nice dream!

I'm sure many of you have a different opinion on this scenario however...

The_Pauser wrote:And why's that? I think its great he put to rest some of the speculation, and leaves us hanging with a possible return.

Why? Because he had no regard for what the coach was trying to do and taking it upon himself to set the strategy. How was his defence? His drive TO the net? He had his career year, got his big contract... Let's see how he does without the media pressure in Florida before we cry for his return.

"We had some real differences in philosophy, and there were some things he did that really bothered me, most particularly how he handled my friends -- Brad May especially.

"He never played him. He never gave him a chance to show what he could do. Here was a guy who was a 15-year war vet, a warrior, a guy who had fought every tough guy in the league and yet he was never put out there in any other kind of situation. And this was a guy who could handle all kinds of roles in the league. That really bothered me."

Oh man, I feel sorry for Crow!! He can't even decide who gets to play on the fourth line!?!

That article really shows how arrogant Bert can be. The reason his line's ice time and PP time was cut down was because they were totally ineffective. I guess one can argue it's the chicken and the egg. Was Bert's playing time decreased because of his inconsistent play or his play was inconsistent because his ice time was cut? Personally, I believe it's the former. Crow had given Bert lots of leeway and I think Bert's ice time deserved to be cut. I wouldn't want him back as a FA. Not that I wish Bert ill or anything but I seriously doubt he will be a dominate force in Florida.

Crow was know to be a asshole to certian people for no perticular reason. Although I never was a fan of Brad May's.

Yeah thats smart! Break up the best line in hockey, one year removed, in the middle of a fight for your playoff lives, Take those great players and put them with AHL caliber guys and cut their ice time! F-ing brilliant! Almost looks like the fix was in on Crawfords part.

I hope he dominates in Florida and injures two Canuck d-men and a shit kicks a forward while scoring a hat trick to go with his two assists when he returns in january!